FabDigitFabDigit

Copper Alloy C22000 vs C26000

Copper Alloy · grade comparison

Copper Alloy C22000 and C26000 are both copper alloy grades. C26000 is the stronger of the two: yield strength 105 MPa (15.2 ksi) against 83 MPa (12 ksi) for C22000, about 27% more; tensile strength follows at 325 MPa (47.1 ksi) vs 275 MPa (39.9 ksi). C26000 is the more ductile: elongation 62% versus 45% for C22000, and C26000 is harder (55 HB vs 48 HB). C26000 is lighter (8.53 g/cm³ vs 8.8 g/cm³ for C22000) and C22000 is stiffer (117 GPa vs 110 GPa). On the shop floor, C26000 sits in a lower cost tier (high, $$$$) than C22000 (specialty, $$$$$).

C26000Choose it when strength drives the design, or when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded.

C22000 vs C26000: properties

C22000C26000

Mechanical

Strength, stiffness, ductility and hardness at room temperature.

Elastic (Young's) Modulus

117 GPa17 Msi
110 GPa16 Msi

Shear Modulus

44 GPa6.4 Msi
41 GPa5.9 Msi

Bulk Modulus

118 GPa17.1 Msi
115 GPa16.7 Msi

Poisson's Ratio

0.34
0.35

Tensile Strength (Ultimate)

275 MPa39.9 ksi
325 MPa47.1 ksi

Yield Strength (0.2% offset)

83 MPa12 ksi
105 MPa15.2 ksi

Elongation at Break

45%
62%

Shear Strength

200 MPa29 ksi
234 MPa33.9 ksi

Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit)

90 MPa13.1 ksi
97 MPa14.1 ksi

Hardness, Brinell

48 HB
55 HB

Hardness, Vickers

55 HV
60 HV

Physical

Density and transition temperatures.

Density

8.8 g/cm³0.32 lb/in³
8.53 g/cm³0.31 lb/in³

Melting Point (Solidus)

1,020°C1,868 °F
915°C1,679 °F

Liquidus Temperature

1,045°C1,913 °F
955°C1,751 °F

Thermal

How each material carries heat and how hot it can run.

Thermal Conductivity

189 W/m·K109 BTU/hr·ft·°F
121 W/m·K69.9 BTU/hr·ft·°F

Specific Heat Capacity

376 J/kg·K0.09 BTU/lb·°F
375 J/kg·K0.09 BTU/lb·°F

Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C)

18.4 µm/m·K10.2 µin/in·°F
19.9 µm/m·K11.1 µin/in·°F

Latent Heat of Fusion

195 J/g83.8 BTU/lb
165 J/g70.9 BTU/lb

Same in both: Max Service Temperature (continuous) 200°C392 °F · Min Service Temperature -200°C-328 °F

Electrical

Conductivity and insulation.

Electrical Conductivity

44 % IACS
28 % IACS

Electrical Resistivity

3.92×10⁻⁸ Ω·m1.54 µΩ·in
6.2×10⁻⁸ Ω·m2.44 µΩ·in

Chemical & Environmental

Corrosion and environmental resistance (0–100 scores).

Galvanic Potential (seawater, vs SCE)

-0.25 V
-0.28 V

Corrosion Resistance

65 / 100
50 / 100

Manufacturability

FabDigit workshop ratings (0–100 scores) — how each material behaves on the machine.

Machinability Rating (AISI 1212 = 100 %)

20%
30%

Weldability

45 / 100
40 / 100

Formability (cold)

95 / 100
98 / 100

Brazeability / Solderability

95 / 100
90 / 100

Castability

—
25 / 100

Same in both: Machinability 30 / 100 · Polishability 85 / 100

Sustainability

Primary-production footprint per kilogram.

Embodied Energy (primary production)

57 MJ/kg24,506 BTU/lb
55 MJ/kg23,646 BTU/lb

Embodied Carbon (primary production)

3.9 kg CO₂/kg
3.5 kg CO₂/kg

Typical Recycled Content

40%
45%

Same in both: Embodied Water 250 L/kg30 gal/lb

Common Calculations

Ratios derived from the values above.

Specific Strength (UTS / density)

31 kN·m/kg
38 kN·m/kg

Specific Stiffness (E / density)

13.3 MN·m/kg
12.9 MN·m/kg

Modulus of Resilience

29 kJ/m³
50 kJ/m³

Thermal Diffusivity

57.1 mm²/s
37.8 mm²/s

Thermal Shock Resistance Index

24
18

Strength versus weight

Yield strength against density for every copper alloy grade in the FabDigit library; the compared grades are highlighted. Up and left is stronger for its weight.

501002005001,0007.588.599.5Density (g/cm³)Yield strength (MPa) — log scaleC26000C22000

Manufacturing and finishing

CapabilityC22000C26000
Default conditionOO
Relative cost$$$$$ Specialty$$$$ High
Min. machined wall0.8 mm0.8 mm
Best machined surfaceRa 1.6 µmRa 1.6 µm

Both are offered for CNC machining and Sheet metal. Both take the same 9 finishes: Chrome Plating, Copper Plating, Electroless Nickel (EN), Electropolishing, Gold Plating, Nickel Plating, Painting, Silver Plating, Tin Plating.

C22000 vs C26000 — frequently asked

Is C26000 stronger than C22000?

Yes. C26000 has a typical yield strength of 105 MPa (15.2 ksi) against 83 MPa (12 ksi) for C22000 — about 27% more. Tensile strength is 325 MPa (47.1 ksi) vs 275 MPa (39.9 ksi).

Which is cheaper, C22000 or C26000?

C26000 is the lower-cost material: it sits in the high tier ($$$$) while C22000 is specialty ($$$$$). Part price depends far more on geometry, tolerance and quantity than on raw stock — upload a CAD file for a live quote.

Which welds better, C22000 or C26000?

C22000. Its weldability rates fair (45/100) against fair (40/100) for C26000.

Ready to make it?

Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in C22000 and C26000 side by side — material, machining time, tolerance and finish in one quote. Certified material data ships with the order on request.

Typical handbook values for the conditions named above, normalised for comparison. Hardness on non-Brinell scales is converted approximately for charting only. Request certified data with your order for design-critical properties.